All I can say in defense of this cartoon is that it was bought by the publication in 1996 — over 25 years ago. My, how things have changed . . . and I think that the caption was a tired, hackneyed cliche even then.
Another cartoon of mine that was bought and paid for (by The Wall Street Journal, in 1985), but as far as I can tell, was never printed. The reason is unknown to me. So here’s the cartoon — I still very much like the gag, by the way.
Explanation: Back in 1986, the newfangled concept of fluoridation (adding fluoride to our drinking water to prevent tooth decay) was a hotly contested issue throughout the country.
Another cartoon that I really thought should have ended up in The New Yorker . . . but it didn’t happen.
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